Shake and Bake Chicken (Easy Recipe)

Shake and bake chicken is super tasty, insanely versatile, and crazy easy to make.

So basically, it ticks all the boxes and then some.

Between the crispy skins, the tender and juicy meat, and the sensational flavors, this dish is purely phenomenal.

You just mix, shake, and bake. Easy-peasy.

Fire up those shaking bags, and let’s dive into this tasty shake and bake chicken dinner.

Shake and Bake Chicken Recipe

The original Shake N Bake is a spice mix made of flour, spices, and seasonings. And a bunch of other ingredients that are hard to spell and pronounce.

That’s why I decided to make my own mix – to control what ingredients go into it, so I know it’s healthier. 

Plus, this homemade dry spice mix is super convenient and so much more economical.

You’re probably wondering – does it taste the same, though?

Call me biased, but I think it tastes so much better!

My shake and bake chicken is perfectly salty and savory with mild hinds of earthy and spicy flavors.

Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself!

Ingredients

You’ll be surprised at how little you need for this recipe. Here’s the complete list of ingredients:

• Chicken. The main event. I use bone-in chicken pieces in this recipe but feel free to use any cut. Just keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on the size of the meat.

• All-purpose flour. Coating chicken in flour gives it an extra layer of crispiness once baked.

• Spices and seasonings. I use a blend of salt, paprika, sage, and ground black pepper for my own version of shake and bake. Use whatever combination of seasonings you like best.

• Butter. For a wonderful boost of flavor.

How to Make Shake and Bake Chicken

Making shake and bake chicken only requires three main steps, and they’re not that hard to follow:

1. Make the breading. In a large, resealable bag, combine the flour and spices.

2. Shake. Coat the chicken pieces in breading by placing them in the bag and giving it a shake.

3. Bake. Place the chicken in a baking pan with melted butter, and bake!

Tips for the Best Shake and Bake Chicken

This recipe really is as easy as 1-2-3. But I’ve still got a few tricks up my sleeve to guarantee you get the best results.

Getting the Breading to Stick to the Chicken

To ensure the breading sticks to the chicken, pat them dry with clean paper towels after you rinse them.

The drier the surface, the more the breading will stick.

Another alternative is to lightly coat the chicken with canola oil. Not only will it make the breading adhere properly, but it’ll also make the chicken skin extra crispy.

Using Other Cuts of Chicken (+Cooking Times)

The instructions on the original Shake N Bake box suggest using the seasoning mix with various cuts of chicken.

So, try it with thighs, legs, wings, breasts, or a combination of them all. You can even use pork chops, too!

Just keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on the cut of the meat and whether they’re bone-in or boneless.

Oh, and if you’re wondering about frozen chicken breast recipes – this isn’t one. You’ll need to thaw the chicken first, or the breading won’t crisp up.

Use this table as a guide:

Important Reminders:

Flip the meat over midway through to ensure even baking.

To test for doneness, stick a thermometer into the center of the meat. Cooked chicken has an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit; for pork chops, it’s 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

More Tips and Tricks

Check out these additional tips and tricks to make your chicken dinner even more scrumptious. 

• No Ziploc, no problem. You can use any large mixing bowl to dredge the chicken in the breading.

• Serve immediately. The longer it sits, the more the skin gets exposed to air, softening it. But, do give it 3 minutes of resting time post-baking to allow for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

• Add more spices. The great thing about making your own shake and bake mix is that you can literally make it your own. Feel free to adjust the measurements and add or omit spices according to what your taste buds tell you!

• Try seasoning the chicken. Some recipes require seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper before coating it with breading. I don’t find it necessary because the breading is already flavorful enough, but it’s totally up to you.

Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken

Healthy is in! Using an air fryer is an easy way to cut down on all that butter.

Here’s how:

1. Spray the basket with oil. This step prevents the chicken from sticking. Or use some parchment paper cut to size.

2. Arrange chicken in the basket. After dredging the chicken with breading, arrange them in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket. Be sure the pieces don’t overlap to promote air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.

3. Bake. Air fry the chicken for 24 to 28 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip the pieces halfway through to ensure even cooking.

What to Serve with Shake and Bake Chicken

• Dipping sauces. I love this dish with BBQ sauce, Ranch dressing, and honey mustard. I also like it with bleu cheese dressing, if I’m feeling fancy. Be sure to have ketchup, too, for the kids!

• Mac and cheese. For the ultimate comfort food, serve shake and bake chicken with the best mac and cheese. The creamy pasta will balance perfectly with the crispy chicken skins.

• Chicken and waffles, anyone? If serving for breakfast, shake and bake chicken MUST be paired with waffles, with maple syrup on top. I think honey would work too, especially hot honey!

• Make it Southern. Give the savory dish a sweet contrast with moist cornbread. It’s a traditional Southern-approved combination. Don’t forget the honey butter!

How to Store and Reheat Shake and Bake Chicken

While this recipe is bested served immediately, storing leftovers is easy. Follow these tips for the perfect chicken leftovers. 

• To store. Allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, transfer to an air-tight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

• To freeze. This chicken also freezes wonderfully! Wrap in aluminum foil, and pop in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

• To reheat. I love cold leftover chicken, but it also reheats well. Allow frozen chicken to thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, bake in the oven for 10 minutes at 375 degrees. Or, pop them in the air fryer!

More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

Greek Chicken
Cracker Barrel Fried Chicken
Cracker Barrel Grilled Chicken
Bisquick Fried Chicken
Bisquick Chicken Tenders

A Guide to Cooking Time:

Chicken Thighs	Boneless	25-30 minutes	400 degrees Fahrenheit
Chicken Pieces	Bone-In	40 minutes
Chicken Breasts	Bone-In	45-50 minutes
Chicken Breasts	Boneless	30-35 minutes
Chicken Tender and Nuggets	Boneless	15-18 minutes
Pork Chops	Boneless	20-35 minutes
Pork Chops	Bone-In	35-45 minutes	375 degrees Fahrenheit